It’s astonishing that the Montreal Canadiens are on track for 104 points, yet they find themselves in a fierce battle to secure a playoff spot this season. Last year, they reached the post-season with just 91 points. This year, the eastern teams are excelling in their matchups against the west, creating an unprecedented imbalance.
The Canadiens delivered a strong performance against the Washington Capitals, securing a crucial 6-2 victory on Saturday, which is essential for Montreal’s quest for wins.
Untamed Equines
If Cole Caufield can maintain his health, he could achieve the most remarkable goal-scoring season for the Canadiens since 1994. That year marked the last occasion a player from Montreal reached the 40-goal mark, with Vincent Damphousse achieving that feat.
Since that time, there has been a continuous struggle to surpass what isn’t particularly impressive in the NHL. The nearest attempt was by Max Pacioretty, who netted 39 goals during the 2013-14 season. Caufield’s highest tally stands at 37 goals, which he accomplished last year.
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This season, Caufield has a remarkable goal in his sights. Just 30 seconds into Saturday night’s game, he intercepted a shot at the Capitals’ blue line and raced in for a breakaway. He fired to the far side, easily outsmarting Charlie Lindgren. Caufield netted another goal in the first period, outmaneuvering Alexander Ovechkin in a close-range skirmish to score his 35th of the season.
Reaching the 40-goal milestone seems well within reach for the league’s second leading goal scorer. Caufield is projected to net 49 goals this season. Not only should he put an end to the Canadiens’ dismal 32-year streak without a 40-goal scorer, but Caufield also has the potential to become the first player to score 50 goals since Stephane Richer in 1990.
It will be thrilling to witness what total Caufield can accomplish in the remaining 23 games of the season.
In his initial two games following a significant ankle injury and surgery, Alex Newhook has performed admirably. He has recorded two assists in these two outings since his comeback. Alongside Nick Suzuki, Newhook is tasked with winning the zone during power plays, executing a back pass from their own blue line. Newhook excels in this role, leveraging his remarkable speed more effectively than Suzuki.
Newhook secured the zone as the power play was nearing its end. He broke through the Capitals’ defense and then passed to Zachary Bolduc, who set up Mike Matheson trailing behind. Matheson located the far corner of the net. It was an exquisite goal that wouldn’t have been possible without Newhook’s speed.
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The Canadiens surged to a 4-1 lead late in the second period thanks to an impressive play by their top line during a three-on-two break. Suzuki brought the puck into the corner and then passed it to Kirby Dach, who launched a slap shot into the top corner. The first line was the only group that posted a favorable Corsi rating throughout the game.
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Both Suzuki and Jake Evans scored empty-net goals as Montreal appeared to capitalize on every opportunity, resulting in a scoreline that didn’t quite reflect the actual five-on-five performance.
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Wild Goats
The Canadiens struggled significantly in their defensive zone. They spent a substantial amount of time attempting to fend off the larger Capitals, but they were able to avoid major issues thanks to a solid performance from Jakub Dobes. He recorded 27 saves out of 29 shots, ensuring that the goats segment remained unscathed.
If the prospective Cup campaigns commence in 2026-27, they will have Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky as forwards; David Reinbacher will be on defense; and Jacob Fowler will guard the net. However, if the campaign kicks off this year, they will require a top-line winger, a third-pair defenseman, and an improved goaltender.
Dach hasn’t provided the answer on the opening line, yet the Canadiens performed well on Saturday night. The team appears hesitant to rely on Arber Xhekaj as a third-pair option. Samuel Montembeault is significantly below the league average in goal, and Jakub Dobes is also slightly under the average.
If Hughes and Jeff Gorton choose to make acquisitions, they will need to trade Patrik Laine, who seemingly has no place in their roster. Laine has been practicing in a contact jersey for more than a month, yet they refuse to utilize him. Moreover, they are not allowing the media to interview him either. It seems almost certain that his tenure in Montreal is coming to an end.
The outlook for the Canadiens is exceptionally promising, but the question remains: how soon do they wish to see that potential realized? If they were to secure assets at this moment, the influx of talent for the upcoming season would be considerable. They currently have no expiring contracts for unrestricted free agents next year. However, in the following season, the entire third line, consisting of Phillip Danault, Brendan Gallagher, and Josh Anderson, will be available to negotiate elsewhere.
Don’t assume that Hughes has limited his options. In reality, he finds himself in a vast open space. There are no incorrect decisions; only intriguing possibilities.
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Brian Wilde, a sports journalist from Montreal, presents Call of the Wilde on globalnews.ca following every game involving the Canadiens.